As pots age, they gather patina. Does this come from actual use, meaning being filled with tree and soil. I could understand why a valuable pot would be used just for a show and then returned to a secure storage to avoid damage. Would storing it dry and out of sunlight defeat this ageing process. What conditions actually contribute to the process?

Billy M. Rhodes wrote:I did notice in Japan that valuable pots were stored indoors, out of the weather.

do you think they actually got the patina when they were younger less valuble pots though? through being planted, fertilized, handled etc.

I keep all my pots outside, planted and unplanted bt must admit the planted ones seem to achieve better aging - i think the combination of organic fertilisers, regular watering and actual handling help the process a lot

Billy M. Rhodes wrote:I did notice in Japan that valuable pots were stored indoors, out of the weather.

do you think they actually got the patina when they were younger less valuable pots though? through being planted, fertilized, handled etc.

I keep all my pots outside, planted and unplanted but must admit the planted ones seem to achieve better aging - i think the combination of organic fertilizers, regular watering and actual handling help the process a lot

Just an observation on my part, I don't know what it means. I also keep all my pots outside. I know some pots, being more porous than others, will even develop mineral stains on the surface, at least from my water.

billy don't know how you do it i cant keep my more expensive pot out side they are in a nice shelf in the house (my wife hates it) but the only pots that are outside are the ones that house trees and the cheap low end pots i use as training pots